Jeter Joins 3,000 Hit Club; Parties Like It’s 1999

Derek Jeter didn’t just join the 3,000 hit club. He broke the door down. By driving a 3-2 breaking pitch deep into the left field seats, the Yankees’ shortstop not only became the 28th player to reach the milestone, but the first to do it in pinstripes. In addition to his historic homer, Jeter added four more hits, including an eighth inning single that produced the game winning run. The Captain has always had a flair for the dramatic, but no one could have expected such a vintage performance.

Since the advent of professional baseball in 1871, 17,614 players have crossed the white lines, but only 28 have reached 3,000 hits, according to baseball-reference.com. Needless to say, the fraternity is an exclusive one. What makes the benchmark even more impressive is that while the significance of certain other statistics has waned over the 141-year history of the game, hits have always remained a defining measurement of ability, consistency, and longevity. Getting to 3,000 means just as much now as it ever did.

In honor of Jeter’s historic accomplishment, listed below is the rest of the 3,000 hit club along with details about how they gained admittance.